Tires Rubbing on Steering

[Murphy]

Hi all. Just bought my 40 a couple of months ago. Tires (35s I think) are rubbing when I turn a corner...especially on a right turn where it rubs on the steering components (not sure of the exact name of the part). No power steering and I think it's stock now. I'm wondering what my best solution is. I want to put in power steering (planning on the JT Outfitters kit) so I'm not sure if that will solve the problem or make it worse. Do I need to ad spacers or something to push the wheels further from the center? Can the steering linkage be rearranged? Any help is appreciated.

steering set up

• Murphy
• Oct 28, 2015

steering rub

• Murphy
• Oct 28, 2015

 

[AZMoonshadow]

I had the same problem and purchased wheel spacers from SpiderTrax. Great product and easy to install!!! I ended up buying two sets (front and rear)

 

[Murphy]

Thanks AZMoonshadow! I'll look into that.

 

[AZMoonshadow]

Murphy, you can also save $20.00 per set by buying from their "Outlet" store (supposedly paint 2nds... I did and noticed no difference). 1960-1984 FJ40

 

[GRM]

Just be warned- the wheel spacers will reduce your turning radius.

The right way to fix this would be to swap to a Saginaw or FJ60 steering box.

 

[AZMoonshadow]

GRM, I was rubbing on the leaf springs. I adjusted the stop bolt out, but that just limited my turning radius. Wheel spacers took care of it with little or no noticeable difference in the turning radius.

I agree, putting on a Saginaw or FJ-60 box would remove the pinch point in the picture above.

 

[Murphy]

Murphy, you can also save $20.00 per set by buying from their "Outlet" store (supposedly paint 2nds... I did and noticed no difference). 1960-1984 FJ40

Great to know, thanks.

 

[Murphy]

Just be warned- the wheel spacers will reduce your turning radius.

The right way to fix this would be to swap to a Saginaw or FJ60 steering box.

The JT Outfitters power steering kit suggests using a 79-85 Toyota 4x4 truck steering box. Seems sensible that the FJ60 would work though.

 

[bikersmurf]

I've helped that problem by adjusting the lengths of the relay rods (drag links). The solution involves spacers, narrower/smaller tires, eliminating those linkages.

From what I've read, JT Outfitter's kit is underpowered for 35" tires. I'm going to use Scout II Saginaw. Saginaw, 60/70/80 series, or Scout II would eliminate these linkages. MINI truck won't solve this problem.

 

[GRM]

The JT Outfitters power steering kit suggests using a 79-85 Toyota 4x4 truck steering box. Seems sensible that the FJ60 would work though.

The 79-85 box goes in the location of the stock box. The fj60 box goes on the front of the frame rail, removing the relay rod that your tire is rubbing on.

 

[Lucagoesoffroad]

I had the same problem and purchased wheel spacers from SpiderTrax. Great product and easy to install!!! I ended up buying two sets (front and rear)

How thick? I have the same problem, will 1 inch be enough or should I go for 2? (1984 fj45 pickup)
Thanks!